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Weekly Flyer
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April 1, 2026 • 14 Nisan, 5786
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Our Shabbat Dinner Swap is Back!
Spend Shabbat with neighbors across Western Queens! ACI's Shabbat Meal Swap connects people who want to host or be hosted for a Shabbat dinner in someone's home. No membership required; all are welcome.
Sign up to host or be hosted on any Shabbat between May 1-June 26. We'll match you with dinner partners and connect you to coordinate a date. The form takes just 2–3 minutes.
Sign up by April 24 at 5:00 pm.
More dates to remember:
Through April 13 — Annual Passover Food Drive
Friday, April 24 — Kabbalat Shabbat
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Shabbat Services
Children’s Programs
Tot Shabbat
10:30–11:30 am
For preschool children › April 18
› April 25 Junior Congregation
10:30–11:30 am
For school-aged children › April 18
› May 2 Full calendar PDF →
Passover
The last time to eat chametz is on Wednesday, April 1, at 10:51 am, and disposal of chametz must take place by 11:58 am. Candle Lighting › 1st night: Wednesday, April 1 at 7:03 pm
› 2nd night: Thursday, April 2 after 8:03 pm
› Shabbat: Friday, April 3 after 7:05 pm
› Havdalah: Saturday, April 4 at 8:05 pm
› 7th night: Tuesday, April 7 at 7:09 pm
› 8th night: Wednesday, April 8 after 8:30 pm
› Holiday ends: Thursday, April 9 at 8:11 pm
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Annual Passover Food Drive
We're once again participating in City Harvest's Passover Food Drive! Help us make sure that no one in our city goes hungry over Passover this year.
All types of canned or non-perishable food is needed, but the most useful foods include tuna, salmon, sardines, gefilte fish, grape juice, and oils. Please bring your contributions to the box in the lobby between March 9 and April 13!
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Share Your ACI Story!
As the Astoria Center of Israel celebrates 100 years of serving the Jewish community in Western Queens in 2026, we are inviting members of our community past and present to share their favorite moments and memories at the Center.
Over the course of the year, we will share your reflections in emails, on social media, on our website, and with the press — to tell the story of the many lives ACI has touched. What's your ACI story?
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Attention Knitters and Crocheters!
We are seeking donations of red hats for babies with congenital heart disease! The CHD Coalition's "Little Hats, Big Hearts" program supports families of children with congenital heart disease. They donate bags to families at local hospitals including Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, NYU, and Morristown Memorial.
We have a donation basket set up in the lobby for contributions. Please contact Irene Sprung with any questions!
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Ongoing Programs & Opportunities
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Pathways to Judaism
An introduction to Judaism course via Zoom for those exploring Judaism or considering conversion.
Learn more and register.
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Rikers Island Services
ACI is partnering with the NY Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform to
organize volunteer groups for worship services at Rikers Island. Contact
Litza Stark to participate or to
find out more.
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Open Door Shabbat
Join the ACI community once a month for a no-experience-necessary Shabbat service,
where we will explore the structure and meaning behind the prayer service.
Learn more here. The next dates:
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This Week in Hebrew School
Once again, ACI’s Hebrew School brought the Passover story to life with a multi-sensory, interactive model Seder that engaged students at every turn. The afternoon began with candle lighting led by Morot Esther and Lydia, followed by Kiddush with Rabbi Josh. Students then explored the highlights of the Haggadah through hands-on activities, including puzzles, Passover riddles, and lively musical performances by Kitah Adom and Moreh Alty.
With the support of our dedicated teachers and parents, each table was transformed into its own Seder experience, complete with symbolic foods, joyful learning, and a festive holiday atmosphere.
Thank you to all the parents who generously volunteered their time to help make the afternoon such a meaningful and memorable experience!
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Pastoral Requests
If you would like to inform the synagogue about a hospital visit or
death, or request pastoral care, please fill out this form. All submissions
are confidential.
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Support ACI’s Mission
Help us continue to serve our community with meaningful programs,
welcoming services, and a well-maintained sacred space.
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Messages
Mazel tov to Jacob & Max and the entire Blumenthal Family, from Steve & Judy Markowitz
In honor of my loved ones for Pesach Yizkor, from Susan Mickel
Kol hakavod to Jacob and Max Blumenthal on becoming B’nai Mitzvah, from Susan Mickel
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Mi Sheberachs
Please keep the following people in your hearts and prayers for the blessing of r'fua sh'leima:
Aaron Vajda
Avram Michel Ben Sylvia V'Fred Wishnoff
Elizabeth Bruner
Eric David Laxman
Esther bat Chana
Faiga bat Feivel v’Leia
Gary Lefkowitz
Joel Tarlowe
Leah Chana bat Lena
Malcolm Mungo
Margaret Hall
Menachem Mendel Yonah Ben Beila V'Yakov
Michael Laster
PESSAH Ruchel bat Dina
Reynah Rosendorf
Richard and Laura Cohen
Rony Joel
Sarah Chana bat Zeesl v Dov-Beryl ben Rev Chaim HaLevi
Shalom ben Haim
Shandel Gittle bat Rifka
Shari Levin
Shirli bat Ari Abraham v’Malka
Sidney Williams and Baby
Wilton Mungo
Zalman Mordechai Aaron ben Yehudit
Pia Yehudit bat Pesha
Want to pray
for someone who is sick? You can add anyone to the list, regardless of whether the person is
Jewish. Submit a name here.
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Yahrzeits
This week (17–23 Nisan), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.
Joseph Rubinstein
Adolph Wegner
Anna Hirshfield
Jennie Lazarowitz
Schaye Schwartz
Anne Klein
Abraham Kant
Maurice Rothfeld
Nathan Ross
James Epstein
Ida Arak
Harriet Kupfer
Rose Litz
Lloyd Glen Sternfeld
David J. Newman
Hyman Wasserman
William Brody
Jack Matathias
Jacob Leib Litz
Dr. Frank Ratner
Clara Richman
Joseph Levinsky
Lori Beth Utain
Bernard A. Birnbaum
Morris Stein
Yetta Witzling
Benjamin Wachtel
Lynda Pargh Wildman
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